Sir Richard Branson, the British billionaire founder of the Virgin Group, has announced the heartbreaking death of his wife, Joan Templeman, at the age of 80.
The entrepreneur shared the news in a social media post on Tuesday, describing himself as 'heartbroken' by the loss of his partner of five decades.
A Life Partnership and Family
In his emotional tribute, Branson referred to Joan as his 'best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world.' He also highlighted her role as a mother and grandmother, stating she was 'the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for.'
The couple were married in 1989 on Necker Island, their private Caribbean retreat. Their family includes three children: Holly, Sam, and Sarah Clare. Tragically, their daughter Sarah Clare died shortly after her birth in 1979.
A Down-to-Earth Love Story
Branson previously recounted how he first met the 'down-to-earth Scottish lady' in 1976 at The Manor, a recording studio in Oxfordshire, England. He admitted in a 2020 blog post that he quickly realised his usual flamboyant antics would not impress her.
At the time, Joan was working in an antique shop that specialised in old signs and advertisements. 'I hovered uncertainly outside the shop, then built up the courage to walk in,' Branson wrote, recalling his early attempts to court her. His frequent visits to see her resulted in him amassing a significant collection of vintage tin advertisements.
He often described his wife as a 'very private person' who had 'always stood by me mentally, emotionally and spiritually' throughout their long life together, which spanned his business ventures with Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Galactic, and Virgin Orbit.
A Family's Tribute
The profound loss was also felt by their son, Sam Branson, who posted a moving tribute to his mother. He described her as 'the kindest, most loving, warm and abundantly generous woman to walk this Earth.'
'I am so deeply grateful to have had the privilege of being your son and being able to call you mum,' he added, capturing the deep affection the family held for her.
Joan Templeman's passing marks the end of a 50-year partnership that withstood the pressures of fame and business, remaining a cornerstone of Sir Richard Branson's life and the heart of their family.
